1 Nephi 11

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The love of God is manifest in the sacrifice of His Son, hence through the powers of the atonement we have the opportunity to have our souls FILLED with JOY. The condescension of Jesus Christ demonstrates God's love for us.

1. What does it take to receive personal revelation? What three things did Nephi do before he received this personal revelation? How can pondering the things you read improve your ability to receive personal revelation?

3. What did Nephi desire? Why do you think he wanted to see the things that his father saw? How was Nephi able to recognize that the dream his father had, had a deeper meaning and was worth investing the time and effort and dedication that it would take for him to learn the meaning of it?

5. Why is it so important to simply believe? What is the opposite of belief? How does doubt weaken the belief that you already have?

"When problems come and questions arise, do not start to question your faith by saying how much you do not have… The true to the faith you do have. Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage then is an honest declaration of faith. It is not!… If you and your Family want to be healed, don't let those questions stand in the way of faith working it's miracle." – Jeffrey R Holland, GC, April 2013

6. How does this verse testify to us that to believe is enough?

"Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes." – Jeffrey R Holland, GC, April 2013

"The size of your face or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue – it is the integrity you demonstrate to where the faith you do have and the truth you already know." - Jeffrey R Holland, GC, April 2013

16. What does condescension mean?

"Here was Jesus - a member of the Godhead, the Firstborn of the Father, the Creator, Jehovah of the Old Testament - now leaving His divine and holy station; divesting Himself of all that glory and majesty and entering the body of a tiny infant; helpless, completely dependent in His mother and earthly father. That He should not come to the finest of earthly palaces and be swaddled in purple [a sign of royalty] and showered with jewels but should come to a lowly stable is astonishing. Little wonder that the angel should say to Nephi, 'Behold the condescension of God." - Gerald N Lund, Jesus Christ, Key to the Plan of Salvation [1991], 16

"As I understand the definition of CONDESCENSION, it is the act of descending to a lower and less dignified state; of waiving the privileges of one's rank and status; of bestowing honors and favors upon one of lesser stature or status." -Bruce R McConkie, New Era, December 1984

"In effect, The Lord seems to be asking if Nephi understands how close to man God is willing to come, how far he is willing to go to help us, how much he loves us, how much he does and is willing to do for us." - Marion D Hanks, Ensign, July 1981

22. Why is the atonement of Jesus Christ most desirable and joyous? How does your knowledge of the Atonement of Christ make you feel toward your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ?

26-36. What does the great and spacious building have to do with the crucifixion of Christ and the persecutions of His apostles? Do you know anyone who fights against or makes fun of that which is good? Why do you think they get so angry with those who are trying to keep God's commandments? What can you do to be strong in the face of that kind of criticism?

"It was through pride that Christ was crucified. The Pharisees were wroth because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, which was a threat to their position, and so they plotted His death." - Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1989 

28-31. How do theses verses show the Savior's love for His people? How do you feel this relates to His love for you today? How does the condescension of Christ affect your feelings and love for Him?

"As the one who was chosen to fulfill the requirements of the Atonement, Jesus Christ condescended... to be tempted, tried, mocked, judged, and crucified, even though He had power and authority to prevent such actions. President John Taylor described the condescension of Christ in these beautiful words: 'it was further necessary that he should descend below all things in order that he might raise others above all things…' Christ's suffering in the garden of Gethsemane epitomizes the most magnificent of all the attributes of Christ. His perfect love. Here we see that he truly loved all of us… The Atonement is an event that enables us to be reconciled to God… In terms of family, it means to be reunited with one another and with God and his Son, Jesus Christ. It means sadness through separation will become happiness through reuniting." – Earl C Tingey, GC, April 2006